Reports: Norman prepared to hold out for top contract

Former Coastal Carolina standout Josh Norman is about to get paid. The big questions are exactly how much, and how long it will take.

The Carolina Panthers All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, who had the franchise tag applied by the team worth a guaranteed $13.95 million in 2016, reportedly wants about $16 million a year to sign a long-term contract. However, Norman has yet to sign the franchise tag the Panthers put on him March 1, and has indicated he may hold out for a long-term deal, according to media reports.

The Panthers and Norman can still negotiate a long-term deal and have until July 15 to reach an agreement. Norman, 28, has expressed that he wants to be one of the top-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. Norman has indicated he would not report to Organized Team Activities until there is a new deal. According to the Charlotte Observer, Norman and the Panthers are nowhere close to a long-term contract.

“I can’t report if I haven’t signed anything so I don’t feel as if I’m at the point where I’m ready to get back to working right now,” Norman told NFL Network.

Norman had a career-best four interceptions last season for a Carolina team that reached the Super Bowl before losing to the Denver Broncos. Norman returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns and has seven interceptions in four NFL seasons.